by Dave Fox
rivals.com
03-13-2008

WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
Head coach: Bill Stewart
Last season: 11-2 overall, 5-2 in the Big East; won 48-28 over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.
Spring practice: March 14-April 19.


West Virginia seemed to be in the news every day through December and January because of Rich Rodriguez's departure to Michigan and the controversy that followed. Two months after the unlikely Fiesta Bowl rout of Oklahoma, West Virginia begins spring practice. The Mountaineers should still have an explosive ground game, but there's work to be done on defense. Here's a look at the Mountaineers as they begin spring ball.

POSITIONS OF STRENGTH

White returns at quarterback after consecutive 1,500-yard passing and 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He remained a breakaway threat as a runner but improved his completion percentage and decreased his interception total from 2006 to 2007. Backup Jarrett Brown has plenty of experience. White and running back Noel Devine will have the luxury of running behind an experienced offensive line. All-conference performers Stanchek and Isdaner are among the returnees.


HELP IS NEEDED

The Mountaineers lost most of their top contributors from last season's defense, which led the Big East against the run and in points per game. Berry was a Rivals.com Freshman All-American, but the defensive line lost its two other starters. One spring focus will be developing depth at tailback. And don't underestimate the loss of fullback Owen Schmitt.


KEEP AN EYE ON

DE Julian Miller: The Mountaineers play only one true defensive end in their 3-3-5 scheme. Miller, a redshirt freshman[/db], is one of only two ends on scholarship for the spring.

WR Jock Sanders: Sanders, who is 5 feet 8, saw time as a slot receiver and a runner as a freshman in 2007. With Darius Reynaud gone, West Virginia will look for new targets in the passing game. If the Mountaineers can't find depth behind Devine, Sanders could provide a running threat.

S Franchot Allen: In addition to having a cool nickname (Boogie), Allen – whose brother is NFL SS Guss Scott – will compete for a starting spot at safety.


HIS TIME IS NOW

S Quinton Andrews has started 20 games in the past two seasons, but has struggled with consistency. As the only returning starter in the secondary, Andrews – a big hitter – now is the veteran of the group. West Virginia needs him to grow up in 2008.


THE BUZZ

After a tumultuous offseason, West Virginia will try to continue what Rich Rodriguez started. The old schemes will stay under Bill Stewart and the new coaching staff, but the same results are no guarantee under a new coach.

Note: SV alum OL Jon Walko will not participate in spring drills as he is coming off of a knee injury he incurred during the 2007 season. Jon is on his way to being healthy in time to compete for a starting spot by summer practice as he is ahead of schedule on his recovery.